To ask the Minister of Education whether training in supporting visually impaired learners for those classroom assistants supporting a child with a visual impairment is mandatory.

The Education Authority (EA) does not hold data regarding the number of Classroom Assistants (CAs) assigned to a child with a visual impairment (VI).

The EA’s Sensory Service requires that all teachers and classroom assistants new to supporting a pupil with VI receive induction training delivered by Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs), designed to the individual needs of the pupil. Refresher training is provided if appropriate.

Induction training includes: educational implications of VI; learning strategies; visual acuities and VI conditions (individualised); interpretation of diagnosis and medical information; assistive technology (as appropriate); font size; accessible learning resources; social and emotional needs and transition training.

The EA also offers training and webinars for teachers and assistants regarding understanding the role of the QTVI, clinicians, the eye and specific eye conditions; VI and its impact; Cerebral Vision Impairment; simulation; accessible teaching and learning; creating resources and assistive technology.

All special schools receive whole school training for VI.

In addition, the EA requires that CAs working with blind students complete RNIB Certified Braille, UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAFF) Guidance on braille production and how to produce tactile diagrams.

The EA also commissions Guide Dogs Northern Ireland to deliver habilitation training to teachers and CAs.